A rural lifestyle is firmly established and entrenched in United States history, and people of the nation will look into any way to connect with their roots.
One of the ways to connect to that rural aspect is by visiting establishments such as the Rutledge Corn Maze south of Olympia, which opened in 2000 and has become one of Thurston County’s most popular attractions.
“This is our thirteenth year doing mazes and we enjoy bringing a down home farm experience to the community,” said Rick Rutledge, the owner and operator of the Rutledge Corn Maze. “We have met so many people over the years, some traveling as far as New York to go through our maze. It is very humbling.”
A host of events will take place over both the summer and autumn seasons at the Rutledge Corn Maze, starting on Friday, Aug. 17, when the maze will hold a Summer Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Puget Sound Energy is the lead sponsor for the Summer Celebration. The event will feature over 20 local businesses and a scavenger hunt within the maze for prizes. Also included at the celebration will be marshmallow roasting, face painting and an open fire pit.
“This will be fun event for families to come down and try the maze at night,” Rutledge said. “It will be a night full of fun activities”.
Just two weeks later, the Maze will be visited by one of the state’s most famous and celebrated professional athletes for a day of fun and charity.
On Saturday, Sept. 1, The Rutledge Corn Maze will host the Marshawn Lynch Family First Youth Empowerment Day, Driven by All Star Ford from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A young and exciting running back for the Seattle Seahawks, Lynch has been able to establish various charities during his time in professional football along with scoring touchdowns and dodging tackles. The event will raise money for Lynch’s charity, Family First Foundation, which raises funds to empower youth across the United States. The corn maze, opening on Friday, Aug. 10, features the running back carrying a football and his nick name “Beast Mode” above.
“We are very thankful to our sponsor All Star Ford for helping us with the Marshawn Lynch appearance,” Rutledge said. “There are a lot of Seahawks fans across the state and we expect a lot of people will want to meet him. But it’s important to remember that this is for a good cause, and its awesome we will be able to combine a charitable event with a fun and exciting day for the community.”
Along with a two-hour visit from Lynch (the time has yet to be determined) the day will feature music, food vendors and the usual selection of fun family activities that accompany a day at the maze.
For more information on the Rutledge Corn Maze and the Marshawn Lynch Family First Maze driven by All Star Ford, visit www.rutledgecornmaze.com.
